Fuel price hike triggers protest in Nepal capital

KATHMANDU (Reuters) – Student activists burned tires on roads and blocked traffic in Kathmandu on Tuesday to protest against a hefty increase in fuel prices, but many Nepalis hope the unpopular hike will at least mean smoother supplies.

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Monday increased petrol and diesel prices by about a 25 percent to stem losses at the state-run oil company and help overcome a domestic fuel shortage.


Fuel prices are a test for Nepal’s political parties, now squabbling to form a new government likely to be led by the Maoist former rebels.

Many ordinary Nepalis, fed up with long queues at petrol pumps, think some hike was unavoidable but say the increase was too big.

Some, like Kathmandu taxi driver Bill Shrestha, said even though expensive they would rather have a steady supply of more expensive fuel than not have at all.

“If petrol is available in the market after the increase it is okay. I don’t mind,” the 25-year-old Shrestha said.

Reuters